White House Pressed by Civil Society Organizations to Transform AI Guidelines into Binding Policy

In their latest move, a coalition of civil society groups has called upon the White House to transform its proposed guidelines for regulating artificial intelligence (AI) into binding policy through an upcoming executive order. The group, which consists of civil, technology, and human rights organizations, has sent a letter to the White House, urging the Biden administration to establish the AI Bill of Rights as a legally binding government policy for the use of AI by federal agencies, contractors, and federal grant recipients. The coalition emphasizes the importance of effective, safe, and nondiscriminatory AI systems, asserting that AI should be beneficial for everyone. This appeal follows the White House’s recent announcement that it is developing an executive order focused on responsible AI innovation.

The AI Bill of Rights, which serves as a blueprint for the rapidly growing AI industry, outlines guidelines for regulation. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Biden administration to set regulations in motion for AI. In the past month, the administration has secured voluntary commitments from leading companies such as Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, which aim to manage the potential risks posed by AI. However, the absence of binding commitments leaves the establishment of guardrails largely up to the tech industry itself.

The letter calling for binding AI regulations is signed by nine prominent groups, including the Center for American Progress, the Center for Democracy & Technology, the NAACP, and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. They recommend that the new executive order directs federal agencies, contractors, and grantees to immediately adopt the AI Bill of Rights. Noting that the federal government is the largest employer in the country, the organizations express their belief that the government has significant influence over the emerging AI policy and business landscape. They also stress the importance of extending the AI requirements to encompass law enforcement and the national security community.

While the White House considers its course of action, Congress is concurrently deliberating on how to regulate AI. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has revealed a policy framework for AI and organized informational sessions for senators to examine the risks and opportunities associated with AI. However, a comprehensive regulatory package has yet to emerge.